TOKYO: The high-tech skinsuit, made from selected materials from a combination of over 40,000 substances that take into account speed and fabric tension, is one of the secret weapons of the national track cycling team as they seek to create history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics here.
He said that apart from the WX-R Vorteq bikes, which cost over RM300,000 each, that the two national track cyclists Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang and Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom will use in Tokyo, the custom-made skinsuit could also have a big impact on the riders' overall performance.
According to him, the use of the skinsuit, which must be approved by the International Cycling Union (UCI), was specially designed according to the physical size and physiology of an athlete to help maintain his position during racing, thus reduce drag.
"It is like a secret weapon. If you can see its technology, it is pretty amazing because it will lock the rider in position. To suit up, it will take three people. It's definitely a challenge to wear the skinsuit and, after that, the rider's position will remain (during the race)," he told Bernama recently.
He said the skinsuits had also undergone wind tunnel testing.
Azizulhasni, the 2017 keirin world champion, and Shah Firdaus will begin their Tokyo Olympic campaign in the sprint and keirin events at the Izu Velodrome in Shizuoka from Wednesday (Aug 4).
This will be 'The Pocket Rocketman' Azizulhasni's fourth straight Olympic outing since his debut at the 2008 Beijing edition while Shah Firdaus will be making his Olympic bow in Tokyo.
Azizul, who finished empty-handed in the Beijing and 2012 London editions, bagged a bronze in keirin at the 2016 Rio edition.
He explained that every aspect that could help maximise Azizulhasni and Shah Firdaus' potential towards achieving greater heights, including in terms of racing attire, cycling position, bike frame and handle, was taken into consideration.
"All these elements will help reduce drag by a small percentage, but they could have a big impact on the riders' overall performance," he said.
"It's no longer about relying only on the physiological aspects. In certain sports, it's a combination between physiology and technology... the machine is also important," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Aug 03 2021
Azizulhasni, the 2017 keirin world champion, and Shah Firdaus will begin their Tokyo Olympic campaign in the sprint and keirin events at the Izu Velodrome in Shizuoka from Wednesday (Aug 4). - stadiumastro
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.